The party season has started
Get ready, because the Melbourne Cup is just around the corner, and Christmas pageants are filling our weekends - which means the Australian summer entertaining season is officially here!
Whether you're hosting or have been asked to "bring a plate," you'll be delighted to know that I've got some budget-friendly finger food ideas that will make you the star of any gathering. To begin with, let's start by bringing back a delicious 1970s classic - the cheese ball - and then explore some super simple canapés that won't break the bank or keep you stuck in the kitchen.
The Return of the Cheese Ball: A Budget-Friendly Party Star
When it comes to retro party food, remember those cheese balls your grandma used to make? Well, this retro finger food is making a comeback, and here's why:
Not only is it deliciously addictive, but it's also a brilliant way to use up those bits of leftover cheese lurking in your fridge. Better yet, you can make it ahead, giving you more time to enjoy your guests.
What how I make this budget-friendly party star with my friend Christel that was featured in my TV series Cookingjsut4Me , my taste no waste. For more on the series click here.
Classic Cheese Ball Recipe
Serves 8-10 as a finger food option
Ingredients:
- Equal parts soft cheese (brie, cream cheese, blue cheese) and hard cheese (cheddar, gruyere)
- 3 tablespoons port wine
- Few dashes of Tabasco sauce
- Splash of Worcestershire sauce
- Crushed nuts for coating (pecans or walnuts work beautifully)
- Salt to taste (if needed) As cheese is quite salty I ususally don't use any.
Method:
- Dice or grate all cheeses into small pieces
- Combine cheeses in a food processor
- Add port, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce
- Blend until smooth
- Form into a ball or log shape
- Roll in crushed nuts
- Wrap in wax paper or baking paper
- Refrigerate until firm (at least 2 hours)
Pro tip: This will stay in the fridge for several weeks if it lasts that long!
My 5 Quick & Easy Finger Food Ideas
To give you inspiration, I've shared some of my favourite yest simple yet impressive finger food options that will delight your guests. Plus they are simple to prepare as I'm not great a neat , fiddly little food but I love to eat.
1. Swedish Meatball Vol-au-vents
First up, these are a crowd favourite! For convenience, I use IKEA Swedish meatballs (so yummy and save so much time), which pair perfectly with Berenberg Beetroot Relish.
- Heat the meatballs according to package instructions
- Cut each meatball in half
- Fill store-bought vol-au-vent cases with a dollop of beetroot relish
- Top with half a meatball
- Garnish with a slice of pickle if desired
2. Thai-Inspired Cucumber Bites
Moving on to something lighter, this refreshing finger food is perfect for summer and as an added bonus, it's naturally gluten-free. Cucumber rounds toped with Satya sauce.
Satay Sauce:
- 1/2 cup good quality smooth peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)a type of Thia Chilli sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemongrass and ginger infused olive oil (I use Cobram Estate)
- Water to thin if needed
Method
- Mix all sauce ingredients until smooth
- Slice cucumber into 1cm thick rounds
- Top each round with a dollop of satay sauce
- Garnish with crushed peanuts and fresh coriander
Pro tip: This sauce also works brilliantly in celery sticks for a crunchy alternative
3. Mushroom Pâté Vol-au-vents
My third favoutires is for those seeking a vegetarian option, is a snack that even meat-lovers will devour. I've written about this before and share my recipe here.
- Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic in olive oil until golden
- Blend with a knob of butter and fresh thyme
- Fill store-bought vol-au-vent cases
- Top with a tiny sprig of fresh thyme
Link to my Mushroom pate recipe here
4. Classic Smoked Salmon Bites
When it comes to elegant simplicity,option four can not be be beaten nothing beats these classic bites.
- Simple but always elegant:
- Cut dark rye or pumpernickel bread into small squares
- Spread generously with butter
- Top with smoked salmon
- Garnish with fresh dill and a little lemon zest
5. Hummus Three Ways
To round out your finger food selection, start with a good quality plain hummus (I like Black Swan) and then create these three exciting variation that can be servered either in store brought pastry cases or or on top Jatz biscuits. If you have a food process home made hummus is so simple and cheap and alway brings rave reviews.
1. Beetroot Hummus
- Swirl through some Berenberg Beetroot Relish
- Top with fresh parsley
2. Sweet Potato Hummus
- Mix in some mashed roasted sweet potato
- Add a pinch of Moroccan spice blend
3. Thai-Style Hummus
- Stir through a little red curry paste
- Top with fresh coriander
Tips for Stress-Free Summer Entertaining
Before you start planning your menu, consider these helpful tips:
- Keep it simple - choose 2-3 finger food options rather than overwhelming yourself
- Use store-bought bases (like vol-au-vent cases) to save time
- Prep components ahead where possible
- Have a few "emergency finger food“ ingredients in your freezer for unexpected guests
- Create a mix of hot and cold options
- Consider dietary requirements - include at least one vegetarian option and vegan ( My Mushroom Pate is my go to)
- Use seasonal ingredients for better value and flavour
Remember, summer entertaining should be about enjoying time with friends and family, not stressing in the kitchen!
What's your go-to party finger food? Share in the comments below!
